Weather in Ust-Kut

Planning your visit? Familiarise yourself with the current weather conditions and forecast for the city of Ust-Kut in this section. Below, you will find up-to-date data and charts to help you better prepare for your journey.

The climate of the city of Ust-Kut can be described as sharply continental, which is typical for many regions of Eastern Siberia. This area is characterised by significant temperature variations throughout the year: severe, prolonged winters and relatively short but sufficiently warm summers prevail here. Travellers should take these contrasts into account when planning a trip to select the appropriate wardrobe depending on the season.

The winter period here lasts longer than the calendar season, with consistent sub-zero temperatures from November to March. The most intense frosts occur in January and December, when average readings drop below -22°C. Summer arrives in June and delights with comfortable weather until the end of August. July is considered the warmest month with an average temperature of around +18.6°C, and on clear days the air can warm up to +24°C, creating excellent conditions for walks in the fresh air.

The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — are quite fleeting here and are characterised by rapid changes in the temperature regime. Already in May, the air begins to warm up noticeably, while frosts return in October. Although the number of days with precipitation remains stable throughout the year (on average from 10 to 14 days per month), their overall intensity is low, making the weather generally favourable for tourism.

The temperature regime demonstrated by Ust-Kut is characterised by an impressive range of readings throughout the year. The frostiest period is January, when average values drop to -22.6°C. In contrast, July becomes the warmest month, delighting travellers with a comfortable average temperature of +18.6°C.

In winter, the cold is felt particularly acutely, requiring thorough preparation from tourists. In December and January, night-time temperatures regularly reach marks of -26°C...-27°C, while during the day the air warms up only to -18°C. Even in November and February, stable sub-zero values persist, so warm attire is mandatory during this period.

Summer here is mild, but with a noticeable contrast between daylight and dark hours. In July, the daily maximum often reaches +24°C, creating excellent conditions for strolling. However, nights remain fresh even at the height of the season: the thermometer usually drops to +10°C...+13°C. Transitional months, such as April and October, hover around the zero mark, defining the boundaries between the warm and cold seasons.

Precipitation in the city of Ust-Kut is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, but its character depends heavily on the season. Due to the severe continental climate, snow prevails here for a significant part of the year. The winter period, beginning in November and lasting until March, is characterised by stable sub-zero temperatures. At this time, especially in December and January, travellers should expect frequent, but usually not too heavy, snowfall.

The "wettest" month in terms of the number of inclement days is December, when precipitation falls on average 14 days per month. Conversely, the end of winter brings clearer weather: February is considered the driest month of the year, counting only about 7 days with snow. Spring and autumn serve as short transitional periods when wet snow gives way to rain and vice versa. October, for example, is often overcast, with 13 days of precipitation.

Summer in Ust-Kut, lasting from June to August, brings warming and a change from snow to rain. During this period, precipitation falls in the form of short-term or moderate rains, which occur approximately 11–12 days per month. Despite the regularity of the rains, they are rarely prolonged, allowing you to comfortably plan walks and excursions while carrying an umbrella or raincoat.

When preparing for a trip to Ust-Kut, it is important to consider the harsh nature of the Siberian climate, especially if your visit falls during the cold season. Winters here are long and frosty, with temperatures often dropping below -25°C. Be sure to pack high-quality thermal underwear, woollen sweaters, and a reliable windproof down jacket with a hood in your suitcase. Pay special attention to footwear: you will need insulated boots with thick soles and non-slip treads to feel confident on snowy streets. A warm hat, scarf, and mittens are absolutely essential accessories from November to March.

Summer in the region is usually mild and pleasant, but the weather can be changeable. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable +20...+24°C, allowing for light clothing, but it often becomes cool towards the evening. The best solution is the principle of layering: take t-shirts with you, but be sure to have a fleece jacket or a light coat on hand. In spring and autumn, temperature contrasts are particularly noticeable: night frosts are replaced by daytime thaws, so waterproof mid-season clothing will be most appropriate.

Regardless of the season, comfortable and durable walking shoes should be the foundation of your wardrobe. Given that "wet" days occur regularly throughout the year (whether it be snow in winter or rain in summer), it is worth ensuring your outerwear has water-repellent properties. In summer, a compact umbrella or raincoat will come in handy, as well as sunglasses, which, incidentally, are relevant in winter too to protect your eyes from the bright sun reflecting off the snow cover.